Time to take a stand on guns

We will be a nation perpetually at half-mast until we defend our children's' rights allowing them to grow up safely and reach their potential as youths and adult citizens ("Obama pushes on guns," Dec. 20).

What was taken from us on Friday, Dec. 14 in Newtown, Conn. follows nationwide atrocities of gun violence, too common here in this city of Baltimore. It is unfathomable, heart-wrenching, beyond criminal.

How can we as a nation have come to this tragic reality?

We know. We have let greed and the promise of the dollar dictate our decisions. We have accepted gun violence as entertainment on television, in films and in video games for children. We have waged violent, unjust wars, sending our young people to hellish conflicts with assault weapons.

Finally, we have allowed assault weapons intended for military purposes to be manufactured, distributed and sold to the general public. Sold for what purpose? Assault weapons are meant for one purpose — to kill people.

Our losses from negligence and carelessness in allowing the manufacture and sale of assault weapons to the public for monetary gain is our shared responsibility. But it is time to right these wrongs. Each of us can take a stand for gun control and for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.